STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1356

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: S.R. No. 53

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.R. No. 53 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE AND COUNTIES TO RECOGNIZE WALKING AND BICYCLING AS FUNDAMENTAL MEANS OF RECREATION AND TRANSPORTATION IN HAWAII,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the State and counties to recognize walking and bicycling as a fundamental means of recreation and transportation in Hawaii.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation.

According to the American Medical Association, sixty percent of Americans lead completely sedentary lifestyles and forty percent are clinically overweight. The research found that one reason for Americans' sedentary lifestyle is that automobile travel has replaced walking and bicycling for all but the shortest distances.

The benefits of walking and bicycling are numerous and far-reaching. Increased physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases, and the physical activity need not be unduly strenuous for an individual to reap health benefits as a person's health can be significantly improved by thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Walking and bicycling reduce vehicular traffic congestion and related air and noise pollution, which in turn helps decrease respiratory ailments, prevent global warming, preserve habitat and open space, and decrease dependence on foreign oil.

In communities where people regularly walk and bicycle, there is a palpable sense that these are safe and friendly places to live and visit. The State and counties should strive for bicycle friendly and walkable communities that promote active living because bicycling and walking are an economical, environmentally friendly, and healthy means of transportation, and are solutions to traffic congestion.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 53 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs,

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DAVID Y. IGE, Chair

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair